White Oak
Quercus alba • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Quarter-sawn with prominent medullary rays (tiger stripe/flecking) and straight longitudinal grain
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood with golden highlights; exhibits significant chatoyance in ray flecks; darkened with age/stain
Hardness Rating
1,360 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; naturally resistant to rot and decay due to tyloses in pores; highly resistant to moisture
Common Uses
High-end furniture (Arts and Crafts style), flooring, cabinetry, barrel making (cooperage), boat building
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot for high-figure quarter-sawn stock
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 70-100+ years based on the deep patina, traditional stain oxidation, and tight growth rings
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available with FSC certification; highly sustainable due to abundance
Workability
Tends to be hard and strong; works well with machines but can cause tool dulling; glues and finishes exceptionally well
Notable Features
Distinctive medullary rays visible only in quarter-sawn cuts; high tannin content allows for chemical fuming (ammonia darkening)
Finish Recommendations
Traditional oil-based stains, shellac, or polyurethane; benefits from grain filling if a glassy surface is desired
Identification Confidence
High; the dramatic medullary ray flecks and large open pores are quintessential diagnostic features of quarter-sawn White Oak